Memories I have of great intergenerational experiences include
time I spent with my great grandmother. I don’t recall any profound statements
she made, but I do know that she listened intently to what I said, and I had
plenty to say. Growing up in a Jim Crow world of racial segregation where every
day was a reminder of my unimportance to the larger society, I believe her loving listening told me I
mattered. She is the reason I have been a strong proponent of intergenerational partnerships during my many years as an educator.
Intergenerational research on children and older adults reports that benefits of these partnerships are reaped by all ages involved. Among positive
examples of impact include children's improved perceptions
of the elderly and improved well-being and self-esteem of older adults. But what
about research on intergenerational partnerships between college aged students and older
adults? Intergenerational research again
reports the win-win benefits of both parties.
Socrates Cafes are examples of effective intergenerational experiences that include social connections. They are
facilitated discussions
suited for bridging generation gaps and inviting self-expression. They can be
held anywhere people gather and share perspectives. In a
researched Socrates Cafe approach used with college students and low-income
older adults, findings included reduced ageism and stereotyping from students, the formation of
relationships between students and older adults, and a recognition
from older adults that they had valuable insights to share with
younger generations. In the Socrates Café video blow, Christopher Phillips
explains the magic of Socrates Cafe gatherings.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming
Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available
in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and
offline booksellers.
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
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